Olympic Hot Springs Closed After Dead Body Found

On Monday, a body was discovered in the Olympic Hot Springs in the Elwha Region of Olympic National Park. The discovery forced the closure of the hot spring areas of one of America’s most popular National Parks. The news is sad, as it appears the 61 year old deceased man from Silverdale, WA died from natural causes. Because the body was discovered in the hot springs, Park officials have decided to close the pools for health and safety concerns.

On Monday, October 26 rangers responded to a report of a fatality at Olympic Hot Springs in the Elwha Valley of Olympic National Park. Rangers found the individual, Bruce Gunderson, deceased in a hot spring pool.

Due to health and safety concerns, the Olympic Hot Springs pools have been closed to public use.

“Although use of Olympic Hot Springs has always been at the discretion and risk of the visitor, we have closed the pools until further notice due to public health and safety concerns following this tragic incident,” said Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum.

Olympic Hot Springs are natural, unmaintained hot water seeps located approximately 2.5 miles from the Boulder Creek Trailhead in the Elwha Valley. The pools are in a wilderness area and not tested or treated by the park.

Boulder Creek Campground will remain open.

Gunderson, 61, is from Silverdale, Washington. The cause of death is under investigation. Natural causes are suspected.

Please Contact Olympic National Park officials for more information: 360-461-8737